Symptom Checker

Step 4: Read and complete the decision guide to learn more about your symptoms.

Coughs and Colds

You probably have a virus other than influenza. Since you are bothered by your cough, you may find some relief from medications. Some medicines are available over-the-counter, including guaifenisin (Robitussin, Hytuss, Guiatus, Mucinex), dextromethorphan (Delsym, Benylin, Vick's, products that include the initials "DM,") and throat lozenges. Of the active medicinal ingredients that are available over-the-counter, dextromethorphan and its brand name versions are the most effective.

Please note, some medicines have drug interactions with dextromethorphan. Drug interactions can make it unsafe to use medicines with this active ingredient. In particular, many anti-depressant medicines overlap with this medicine in possible side effects and should not be combined with dextromethorphan ("DM").

Is your cough severe even after you use over-the-counter medicines? A cough that is severe may result in vomiting after you cough or may awaken you during the night.

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